Halfway Perfect by Julie Cross and Mark Perini

Halfway Perfect by Julie Cross, Mark Perini

Eve's time as a fashion model nearly destroyed her-now she's determined to build a career behind the camera lens. But landing a coveted photography internship brings her face to face with her dark past-and her ex.

While Eve is snapping pictures, up-and-coming male model Alex is launching his career-which, for him, involves maintaining a fake relationship with his (secretly) underage co-star, Elana.

But Alex is falling for Eve, and Eve won't let herself get hurt again. If Alex can pull off a fake love with Elana, can he convince Eve to risk a secret affair with him?

Excited is an understatement for when I heard that Julie and Mark were co-authoring a book. This was way back when Halfway Perfect was still in the works. Now that it’s been out for months and now that I’ve finally read it, I can say it was well worth the wait and anticipation.

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Julie Cross’s YA contemporary books and this one just further proved that I need to read everything she writes, not that I wasn’t already dead set on doing that beforehand. It also proved that Mark Perini, Halfway Perfect being his debut as an author, needs to write more books so I can read them. The duo did such a fine job making the model world that their characters were in come to life, not to mention weave such a compelling story with relatable characters.

“Maybe the only way forward is to simply move forward, one half-step at a time.”

Knowing that Mark was a model himself, I never doubted that Eve and Alex’s experiences would be anything less than believable. What I really liked about Halfway Perfect though is that it wasn’t just an insider look into the fashion scene. It made me feel like I was right there along with the characters. Aside from this, I really liked the gritty take on how underage models can be taken advantage by people in the industry.

It was easy to adore Eve, what with our shared passion for photography. I also enjoyed watching her work as an intern for her awesome mentor, Janessa. More than that, it’s the fact that she’s been through some tough shit and yet determined to move past that (with some understandable struggle of course), not let herself be defined by those awful events and work hard to achieve her dreams, that made me admire her completely.

“There’s so much good in him that I’m desperate to find a way to unzip him and crawl inside and let myself be even closer.”

Meanwhile, Alex was a sweetheart. Who cares if he’s a hot model? His good guy personality in itself is enough to make you swoon. He was so unexpectedly down-to-earth and seemed especially genuine when it came to his family relationships, specifically with his fun siblings. Great charm + heart of gold- that’s Alex for you.

With how fleshed out both protagonists were, it only followed that the romance worked really well since the two also had awesome chemistry. Alex and Eve’s relationship really develops throughout the story and the challenges they had to face to achieve their HEA were so realistic.

“Everything else will work itself out. Everything else is unwritten.”

Wonderful romance, lovable characters and an enjoyable story- Halfway Perfect is equally touching and entertaining. If you want to read about the modeling industry or are looking for a quick but heartfelt read, this one is for you.

10 Comments

I actually think this may be the first time I’m reading a review for Halfway Perfect! It sounds interesting, particularly because it involves the modeling world, and I like the quotes you used in your post a whole lot. I’m happy to hear you really enjoyed it! It definitely makes me feel encouraged to check it out for myself.

Then I’m glad I shared my thoughts on the blog! I actually read this awhile ago and I finally was in the mood to write a review yesterday. I don’t think there are very many books set in the model world that I know of. For that alone, I knew I had to recommend this one. :)

Eeeep! I want to read this so badddd now!! I hadn’t even heard of it before, and I am usually iffy about contemporaries BUT IT SOUNDS SO AMAZING. And I haven’t read any books about models before. *dashes for goodreads*

I love a good contemporary especially when its on subject I rarely read about, in this case fashion. Alex sounds so amazing, I love it when the male love interest isn’t so rude all the time. When need more lovable male mc’s! I haven’t read anything by Julie Cross but I definitely want to check this out! Awesome Review!

I’m not a big fan of the blurb, but your review makes it sound so sweet Hazel! I’ll definitely be checking this book out when I’m looking for a photographer/model story. :) Wonderful review (and you’ve convinced me to give it a chance, haha.)

Aw, this sounds so CUTE. I love contemporaries where there’s something new and genuine that the author brings to the scene – and woah, having a GOOD GUY model as a love interest IS unexpected. I can’t imagine what fun you must have had while reading this :) definitely a keeper!